§ 73-11-53 — [Construction of law of 1919.]

This act shall be construed as applying only to districts organized for the purpose of cooperation with the United States under the federal reclamation law or other federal laws as defined in Section one [1] [73-10-1 NMSA 1978] hereof and nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to affect or interfere with the organization, operation or maintenance of any irrigation district organized or to be organized under any other laws of this state. Nor shall this act be so construed as to affect the validity of any district heretofore organized under the laws of this state for the purpose of cooperation with the United States under the federal reclamation law or other federal laws, or its right in or to property or any of its rights or privileges of whatsoever kind or nature; but said districts are hereby made subject to the provisions of this act so far as applicable; nor shall this act be construed to affect, impair or discharge any contract, obligation, lien or charge, for, or upon which such district was or might become liable or chargeable had not this act been passed; nor shall it affect the validity of any bonds which have been issued and sold, or issued but not sold; nor shall it affect any action which may now be pending. Provided, that any irrigation district heretofore organized, or hereafter to be organized under the provisions of any other laws of this state which may desire to cooperate with the United States under the federal reclamation law or other federal laws, may enter into a contract with the United States providing for such cooperation with the United States, and after such contract shall have been approved by a majority of the qualified electors of said district at an election held as provided under this act, such irrigation district shall thereafter become subject to the provisions of this act.

Legislative History

Laws 1919, ch. 20, § 59; C.S. 1929, § 73-160; 1941 Comp., § 77-2352; 1953